Congrats to the Chadron High School Class of 2025!

Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1767802?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572272230052.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Chadron High School Class of 2025!Click <a href="https://xp.audience.io/gallery/1767802?ref=ulink&amp;app_type=gallery&amp;share_type=">HERE</a> to view senior photos.&nbsp;

Chadron High School graduates of 2025 

ALLIANCE - The Alliance Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce 2025 scholarship and grant recipients. The foundation and its affiliates have awarded a total of $36,500 through 27 scholarships and grants to 20 individuals. Recipients include 2025 Alliance High School (AHS) students and graduates, current AHS educators, and past AHS graduates.

The mission of the Alliance Public Schools Foundation is to promote excellence in education by developing a partnership between our schools and community which will increase and enhance educational opportunities for all students and educators. To find out more about the foundation, or to donate, please visit www.alliancepsfoundation.weebly.com. 

This year’s scholarship and grant recipients include: 

Jayda Backous - $1,000 Family is Everything Scholarship.

Jackson Bailey - $1,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation and Alliance Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee Scholarship.

Atley Bolek - $1,500 Automotive/Communications Scholarship.

Macy Brooks - $1,500 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Vocational Tech/Junior College Scholarship.

Delaney Childers - $2,500 Liggett Scholarship: Empowering Dreams, Honoring Heritage; $500 Jake Green Young Farmer Memorial Scholarship.

Payton Gibson - $1,000 Class of ‘59 Lemming Aid Grant - Graduate School Grant.

Carver Hauptman - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship.

Kaelee Jelinek - $500 Class of ‘45 Scholarship.

Chase King - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Graduate Level Studies Scholarship.

Emma Machado - $750 Alliance High School Class of 1969 Scholarship.

Kaigan McBride - $1,000 Dick Boness Memorial Scholarship.

Emily McCune - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation General Scholarship; $1,000 AHS A-Club Scholarship; $1,000 Nic Gasseling Memorial Scholarship.

Sutton Parkison - $2,500 Liggett Scholarship: Empowering Dreams, Honoring Heritage; $1,000 Blythe Boness Memorial Scholarship.

Olive Radice - $1,500 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Qualifying Income Scholarship; $1,000 Frank and JoAnn Tolstedt Scholarship.

Shyla Salcido - $1,000 AHS A-Club Scholarship; $750 Alliance High School Class of 1969 Scholarship.

Josie Sanders - $1,000 Frank and JoAnn Tolstedt Scholarship; $500 Jake Green Young Farmer Memorial Scholarship.

Braelyn Shrewsbury - $2,500 Kaye Hempel Memorial Scholarship; $1,000 Dick Boness Memorial Scholarship.

Mary Tereasa Green - $2,500 Class of ‘62 Teacher Opportunities Grant.

By APS FoundationALLIANCE - The Alliance Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce 2025 scholarship and grant recipients. The foundation and its affiliates have awarded a total of $36,500 through 27 scholarships and grants to 20 individuals. Recipients include 2025 Alliance High School (AHS) students and graduates, current AHS educators, and past AHS graduates.The mission of the Alliance Public Schools Foundation is to promote excellence in education by developing a partnership between our schools and community which will increase and enhance educational opportunities for all students and educators. To find out more about the foundation, or to donate, please visit www.alliancepsfoundation.weebly.com. This year’s scholarship and grant recipients include: Jayda Backous - $1,000 Family is Everything Scholarship.Jackson Bailey - $1,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation and Alliance Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee Scholarship.Atley Bolek - $1,500 Automotive/Communications Scholarship.Macy Brooks - $1,500 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Vocational Tech/Junior College Scholarship.Delaney Childers - $2,500 Liggett Scholarship: Empowering Dreams, Honoring Heritage; $500 Jake Green Young Farmer Memorial Scholarship.Payton Gibson - $1,000 Class of ‘59 Lemming Aid Grant - Graduate School Grant.Carver Hauptman - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship.Kaelee Jelinek - $500 Class of ‘45 Scholarship.Chase King - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Graduate Level Studies Scholarship.Emma Machado - $750 Alliance High School Class of 1969 Scholarship.Kaigan McBride - $1,000 Dick Boness Memorial Scholarship.Emily McCune - $2,000 Alliance Public Schools Foundation General Scholarship; $1,000 AHS A-Club Scholarship; $1,000 Nic Gasseling Memorial Scholarship.Sutton Parkison - $2,500 Liggett Scholarship: Empowering Dreams, Honoring Heritage; $1,000 Blythe Boness Memorial Scholarship.Olive Radice - $1,500 Alliance Public Schools Foundation Qualifying Income Scholarship; $1,000 Frank and JoAnn Tolstedt Scholarship.Shyla Salcido - $1,000 AHS A-Club Scholarship; $750 Alliance High School Class of 1969 Scholarship.Josie Sanders - $1,000 Frank and JoAnn Tolstedt Scholarship; $500 Jake Green Young Farmer Memorial Scholarship.Braelyn Shrewsbury - $2,500 Kaye Hempel Memorial Scholarship; $1,000 Dick Boness Memorial Scholarship.Mary Tereasa Green - $2,500 Class of ‘62 Teacher Opportunities Grant.

APS Foundation announces 2025 scholarship, grant recipients

Winter wheat perked up weeks ago, alfalfa reaches for the sky and all manner of seeds are finding a home in rows throughout Northwest Nebraska. A few tractors, however, sow plants meant to last for decades instead of a season.

The Buskirk family has been planting trees since the mid 1990s. Dean and Sonya Buskirk and their son Chad of rural Hemingford described the business – Trees Are Us – that acquired its name and became official in 2000. I visited with them while picking up recycling at the farm/Pat’s Creative recently. They even received an order of trees during the interview. It seems like people driving through the country may give little thought to how the shelterbelts originated.

Trees Are Us Welding manufactures and sells the implements: planters, mulchers and trailers to haul them; and Trees Are Us plants the trees for the Natural Resources District (NRD)/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as landowners through independent contracts, including quite a few last year in the Bayard area. The number of trees planted in a season has varied wildly, with government programs and other factors, from as many as 300,000 a year over 2000-2003 to about 22,000 currently.

\Chad explained that they plant whatever people ordered. Regardless of variety, everything goes in the ground bare root. Eight is the optimum number to get the job done (two tractors – one driving, three behind) though the size of the crew depends on the job site. Trees are planted before it gets too hot – April-June with May being about the best. “We have a cooler to keep trees in between planting dates,” Dean noted. “Trees need to be kept as close to dormant as you can.”

Their experienced workers know how to get the most out of the equipment with high marks of 5,500 trees and 11 ½ miles of fabric, respectively, completed in a day. Dean explained the overall demand was high enough that for 10 years the family only raised hay on their farm and rented out their row crop ground.

Dean said that building planters is “kind of what we can get done in the winter” with 13 turned out one year. “More or less it was designed for the Sandhills,” he said. “We’re planting quite a few trees because we could plant no till.”

Not many companies produce the planters and mulchers (which lay down the protective barrier for weed control and moisture retention), Chad said. “They’re not like ours.” Trees Are Us has worked extensively in the Northern Panhandle with not many local sales. However, Dean said, they have sold planters in 10 states as well as Canada. Chad hauled one to Washington State, which has been a popular destination, along with Wisconsin. In a humorous mixup, a customer from New York thought NE stood for New England. When he found out the real location he came and got it anyway.

I can think of no downside to adding hundreds of thousands of trees to our area in the past generation. The family talked about the size of the initial windrows as they have matured and the perspective of the venture looking back. Landowners break the pervasive Nebraska wind and temper erosion with trees while garnering more moisture from snow. Birds and other wildlife gain habitat with higher populations for hunters as well.

Looking ahead, Trees Are Us embraces innovation. The black mulch itself made a huge difference, Dean said, “moisture is a huge thing.” Farmers have been able to meet 80 percent survival requirements dedicated in some programs. Chad said, “As we us it (the equipment) we think of things that can be updated.

By JOHN E. WEARE KABWinter wheat perked up weeks ago, alfalfa reaches for the sky and all manner of seeds are finding a home in rows throughout Northwest Nebraska. A few tractors, however, sow plants meant to last for decades instead of a season.The Buskirk family has been planting trees since the mid 1990s. Dean and Sonya Buskirk and their son Chad of rural Hemingford described the business – Trees Are Us – that acquired its name and became official in 2000. I visited with them while picking up recycling at the farm/Pat’s Creative recently. They even received an order of trees during the interview. It seems like people driving through the country may give little thought to how the shelterbelts originated.Trees Are Us Welding manufactures and sells the implements: planters, mulchers and trailers to haul them; and Trees Are Us plants the trees for the Natural Resources District (NRD)/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as landowners through independent contracts, including quite a few last year in the Bayard area. The number of trees planted in a season has varied wildly, with government programs and other factors, from as many as 300,000 a year over 2000-2003 to about 22,000 currently.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746792137575.jpeg" alt="Trees Are Us planters, fabricated over the winter, await delivery in the spring." />
 <figcaption>Trees Are Us planters, fabricated over the winter, await delivery in the spring.</figcaption>
 </figure>\Chad explained that they plant whatever people ordered. Regardless of variety, everything goes in the ground bare root. Eight is the optimum number to get the job done (two tractors – one driving, three behind) though the size of the crew depends on the job site. Trees are planted before it gets too hot – April-June with May being about the best. “We have a cooler to keep trees in between planting dates,” Dean noted. “Trees need to be kept as close to dormant as you can.”Their experienced workers know how to get the most out of the equipment with high marks of 5,500 trees and 11 ½ miles of fabric, respectively, completed in a day. Dean explained the overall demand was high enough that for 10 years the family only raised hay on their farm and rented out their row crop ground.Dean said that building planters is “kind of what we can get done in the winter” with 13 turned out one year. “More or less it was designed for the Sandhills,” he said. “We’re planting quite a few trees because we could plant no till.”Not many companies produce the planters and mulchers (which lay down the protective barrier for weed control and moisture retention), Chad said. “They’re not like ours.” Trees Are Us has worked extensively in the Northern Panhandle with not many local sales. However, Dean said, they have sold planters in 10 states as well as Canada. Chad hauled one to Washington State, which has been a popular destination, along with Wisconsin. In a humorous mixup, a customer from New York thought NE stood for New England. When he found out the real location he came and got it anyway.I can think of no downside to adding hundreds of thousands of trees to our area in the past generation. The family talked about the size of the initial windrows as they have matured and the perspective of the venture looking back. Landowners break the pervasive Nebraska wind and temper erosion with trees while garnering more moisture from snow. Birds and other wildlife gain habitat with higher populations for hunters as well.Looking ahead, Trees Are Us embraces innovation. The black mulch itself made a huge difference, Dean said, “moisture is a huge thing.” Farmers have been able to meet 80 percent survival requirements dedicated in some programs. Chad said, “As we us it (the equipment) we think of things that can be updated.

KAB: Trees Are Us’ Marks Quarter Century

Lexington, Neb. — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident in rural Dawson County that has left four members of a family dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. Saturday, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at a home located in the Plum Creek Canyon #1 area of Johnson Lake. Upon arrival, deputies discovered four deceased individuals inside the residence, all identified as members of the same family: Jeremy Koch, 42; his wife, Bailey Koch, 41; and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16.

Preliminary findings suggest that Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife and sons before taking his own life. A knife believed to have been used in the killings was recovered at the scene.

The Nebraska State Patrol has taken the lead in the homicide investigation, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire &amp; Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney. Autopsies have been ordered for all four victims.

Lexington, Neb. — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident in rural Dawson County that has left four members of a family dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide.At approximately 9:45 a.m. Saturday, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at a home located in the Plum Creek Canyon #1 area of Johnson Lake. Upon arrival, deputies discovered four deceased individuals inside the residence, all identified as members of the same family: Jeremy Koch, 42; his wife, Bailey Koch, 41; and their two sons, Hudson, 18, and Asher, 16.Preliminary findings suggest that Jeremy Koch fatally stabbed his wife and sons before taking his own life. A knife believed to have been used in the killings was recovered at the scene.The Nebraska State Patrol has taken the lead in the homicide investigation, with assistance from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Eustis Fire &amp; Rescue, and the Dawson County Attorney. Autopsies have been ordered for all four victims.

Four Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide in Dawson County

&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order extending a burn ban due to continued dry conditions in the central and western regions of Nebraska. The new order remains in effect until midnight May 20.

The burn ban applies to a wide swath of the state to help mitigate risks associated with potential grassland fires. The border runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border.

Last week, Gov. Pillen revised the burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches. These exceptions still apply. However, under no circumstances are burns to be authorized in any area when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a red flag warning.

By Gov. Jim Pillen Office&nbsp;LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Governor Jim Pillen signed an executive order extending a burn ban due to continued dry conditions in the central and western regions of Nebraska. The new order remains in effect until midnight May 20.The burn ban applies to a wide swath of the state to help mitigate risks associated with potential grassland fires. The border runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92. The line then goes west to U.S. Highway 281 and runs south to the Kansas border.Last week, Gov. Pillen revised the burn ban to allow fire chiefs discretion in granting burn permits to irrigation districts so that they can continue to clear vegetation from ditches. These exceptions still apply. However, under no circumstances are burns to be authorized in any area when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a red flag warning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746825367152.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Gov. Pillen Extends Burn Ban in Western, Central Nebraska

By&nbsp;TENA&nbsp;L.&nbsp;COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR

CHADRON – Chadron State College students had a positive experience at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockymountainpsych.com/" target="_blank">conference</a>. Dr. Mary Jo Carnot and Dr. Carrie Stiefel, who accompanied the group, said the students came back excited about doing research and possibly establishing a Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology at CSC. The students also told the faculty members they appreciated gaining valuable networking opportunities and career skills in the conference sessions.

The students who attended are Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyo., Andaira Landenberger of Sutton, Neb., Katrina Christensen of Guernsey, Wyo., Tonah Alexander of Hot Springs, S.D., and Rylee McManis of Sidney, Neb.

Landenberger, a psychological sciences major with a minor in mental health and addiction-wellness, said attending the conference was a memorable and inspiring experience.

“It gave me the chance to connect with others passionate about psychology, explore diverse research topics, and gain valuable insight into potential career and graduate school paths,” Landenberger said.

Landenberger, who plans to graduate in May 2026 and become a clinical therapist specializing in mental health wellness and trauma recovery, said the conference, her first, helped her solidify the path she wants to take after graduation.

Fellow conference attendee Hill, a criminal justice and psychological studies major with a visual arts minor, said the experience was more impactful than she imagined.

“I learned from so many engaging presentations, connected more deeply with my peers, and left with a clearer sense of where I’m headed with my degree,” she said. “Watching the research-based discussions inspired me to begin my own undergraduate research, which is crucial for getting into a graduate program in criminal psychology. It also helped me understand how to strengthen my CV and apply what I’m learning in class in a meaningful way,” Hill said.

In addition to her studies, Hill serves as CSC’s Student Trustee on the Nebraska State College System Board, secretary for both the Social Work and Psychology Club, and the Art Guild. She is an Admissions Ambassador, Eagle Mentor, and QPR-trained peer supporter.

“If the opportunity presents itself to attend a conference like this, take it,” Hill said. “You never know how much you can gain until you jump in.”

Christensen, a first-time RMPA attendee, also found the trip to be a turning point. Set to graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, she plans to earn a master’s degree and eventually become a therapist.

All three students highlighted the value of service during their time in Denver. They volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, where they helped distribute food to families in need.

“It was very exciting to see the faces of those we were giving food to. You could see the relief and ease in their expressions,” Christensen said.

By&nbsp;TENA&nbsp;L.&nbsp;COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746823675496.jpeg" alt="A Chadron State College group poses at the Rocky Mountain Psychology Association conference in Denver. Back row, from left, Dr. Carrie Stiefel, Tonah Alexander of Hot Springs, S.D., Rylee McManis of Sidney, Neb., and Dr. Mary Jo Carnot. From row, from left, Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyo., Andaira Landenberger of Sutton, Neb., and Katrina Christensen of Guernsey, Wyo. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)" />
 <figcaption>A Chadron State College group poses at the Rocky Mountain Psychology Association conference in Denver. Back row, from left, Dr. Carrie Stiefel, Tonah Alexander of Hot Springs, S.D., Rylee McManis of Sidney, Neb., and Dr. Mary Jo Carnot. From row, from left, Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyo., Andaira Landenberger of Sutton, Neb., and Katrina Christensen of Guernsey, Wyo. (Courtesy photo, used with permission)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Chadron State College students had a positive experience at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association (RMPA)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockymountainpsych.com/" target="_blank">conference</a>. Dr. Mary Jo Carnot and Dr. Carrie Stiefel, who accompanied the group, said the students came back excited about doing research and possibly establishing a Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology at CSC. The students also told the faculty members they appreciated gaining valuable networking opportunities and career skills in the conference sessions.The students who attended are Samantha Hill of Gillette, Wyo., Andaira Landenberger of Sutton, Neb., Katrina Christensen of Guernsey, Wyo., Tonah Alexander of Hot Springs, S.D., and Rylee McManis of Sidney, Neb.Landenberger, a psychological sciences major with a minor in mental health and addiction-wellness, said attending the conference was a memorable and inspiring experience.“It gave me the chance to connect with others passionate about psychology, explore diverse research topics, and gain valuable insight into potential career and graduate school paths,” Landenberger said.Landenberger, who plans to graduate in May 2026 and become a clinical therapist specializing in mental health wellness and trauma recovery, said the conference, her first, helped her solidify the path she wants to take after graduation.Fellow conference attendee Hill, a criminal justice and psychological studies major with a visual arts minor, said the experience was more impactful than she imagined.“I learned from so many engaging presentations, connected more deeply with my peers, and left with a clearer sense of where I’m headed with my degree,” she said. “Watching the research-based discussions inspired me to begin my own undergraduate research, which is crucial for getting into a graduate program in criminal psychology. It also helped me understand how to strengthen my CV and apply what I’m learning in class in a meaningful way,” Hill said.In addition to her studies, Hill serves as CSC’s Student Trustee on the Nebraska State College System Board, secretary for both the Social Work and Psychology Club, and the Art Guild. She is an Admissions Ambassador, Eagle Mentor, and QPR-trained peer supporter.“If the opportunity presents itself to attend a conference like this, take it,” Hill said. “You never know how much you can gain until you jump in.”Christensen, a first-time RMPA attendee, also found the trip to be a turning point. Set to graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, she plans to earn a master’s degree and eventually become a therapist.All three students highlighted the value of service during their time in Denver. They volunteered at the Food Bank of the Rockies, where they helped distribute food to families in need.“It was very exciting to see the faces of those we were giving food to. You could see the relief and ease in their expressions,” Christensen said.

Chadron psychology majors explore careers, graduate paths at regional conference

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.

-Colton J Williamson, Class 4 Felony, Violate protection order/prior P.O. conv

-Marcel Bartling-Salina,&nbsp;Failure to register as sex offneder

-Augustin Arriaga,&nbsp;DUS, Poss controlled sub, Poss drug para

-Mackenzie Schreiber,&nbsp;Poss deadly weapon by prohibited person, Poss drug para, DUS

-Jessie Jennings,&nbsp;Child Porn, Child Enticement

-Amy K Caylor, Class 3A Felony, Assault of cr/hlth care prof 3rd degree, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving 1st offense

*All individuals included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. The Panhandle Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. Any person who believes information provided is not accurate may submit a complaint via the “Contact Us” tab on the homepage.Box Butte Co:-Colton J Williamson, Class 4 Felony, Violate protection order/prior P.O. convScotts Bluff Co:&nbsp;-Esmeralda Garza,&nbsp;Poss cont sub-Marcel Bartling-Salina,&nbsp;Failure to register as sex offneder-Augustin Arriaga,&nbsp;DUS, Poss controlled sub, Poss drug para-Mackenzie Schreiber,&nbsp;Poss deadly weapon by prohibited person, Poss drug para, DUS-Jessie Jennings,&nbsp;Child Porn, Child Enticement-Courtney Wiseman,&nbsp;Poss cont subDawes Co:-Amy K Caylor, Class 3A Felony, Assault of cr/hlth care prof 3rd degree, Class W Misdemeanor, DUI, Class 3 Misdemeanor, Reckless driving 1st offense

Panhandle police activity, April 24 - May 7

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating Opportunity

Social Security is facing attacks, primarily driven by DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency. Elon Musk has called the program a "Ponzi scheme". These attacks on Social Security mean the federal government is talking about budget cuts, staffing reductions, and office closures, all of which threaten access to benefits and services for 69 million Americans.

What is a Ponzi scheme? A form of fraud that cheats investors; profits are paid to early investors (especially the creator of the scheme) with funds from new investors. Investors are misled by showing higher than average profits on business activities. However, there usually aren't any business activities. The scheme works as long as new investors continue to buy in so money is being made, but it collapses when people want to cash out. Although he was hardly the first to create this scam, the fraud scheme was named for Italian businessman Charles Ponzi. His earliest investors received 100% returns in 90 days on investments in foreign postal coupons. Then "everybody" wanted to buy in, and only their contributions were used to pay dividends. In 1920 Ponzi took in huge amounts of money throughout the United States, and the fraud received a lot of press coverage when it collapsed.

It is true that the Social Security system is "pay-as-you-go". Current workers' payroll tax payments are used to pay people who are already retired. Wage and salaried workers pay 6.2% (7.65% when you include the amount for Medicare) from every paycheck, shown as FICA, and that amount is matched by their employers. The total 15.3% is credited to their accounts in the Social Security system. FICA taxes are collected on the first $176,100 of a person's earnings from their employment.

Social Security is more like a combination of a business's retirement plan and an insurance policy, run by the government. The idea was to guarantee that workers would have some kind of income when they retired or if they were disabled. Funds are also used to pay survivors or dependents when a worker dies. Like all insurance policies, funds paid in now are paying today's claims. Some people pay in more than they receive, and others receive more than they have paid in.

I doubt that Elon Musk has ever paid into Social Security, because it is not collected on dividends, capital gains, or corporate profits—the kinds of income the wealthy earn.

It is true that baby boomers are retiring and people are living longer, so there is currently more being paid out than into the Social Security system. However, this was anticipated. President Carter and Congress in 1977 began gradually increasing FICA rates. Carter established a Commission on Social Security Reform, led by Alan Greenspan. President Reagan signed their recommendations into law in 1983. Those recommendations included an increase to the amount paid in, and a gradual increase in the full retirement age from 65 to 67. People can retire and draw social security any time from age 62 to 70, and if they wait, they receive a larger monthly amount.

To ensure there would be enough funds to pay out when the baby boomer generation retired, the Social Security Trust Fund was established. The Trust Fund is invested in government securities and earns interest. At its highest in 2020, the trust fund had $2.908 trillion. Since then, its value has dropped; it was $2.721 trillion at the end of 2024. Remember that this was anticipated, which is why trillions of dollars are set aside for Social Security payments.

Social Security will be able to pay out full benefits until 2034. Can it be corrected to pay out beyond that point? Yes, either by reducing benefits or increasing taxes paid in. These tweaks would not be difficult for Congress to do. However, they have been challenged by the Trump Administration to reduce spending, and Social Security is currently the federal government's largest expense. Social Security has also lifted more Americans above the poverty line than any other program.

Is Musk correct that "Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time"? Granted, there are some similarities. However, Social Security is not fraudulent. It is transparent, has multiple layers of oversight, and doesn't promise unrealistic returns. Ponzi fraud? - The answer is NO.

By Patricia Jones, Alliance Community Task Force: Creating OpportunitySocial Security is facing attacks, primarily driven by DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency. Elon Musk has called the program a "Ponzi scheme". These attacks on Social Security mean the federal government is talking about budget cuts, staffing reductions, and office closures, all of which threaten access to benefits and services for 69 million Americans.What is a Ponzi scheme? A form of fraud that cheats investors; profits are paid to early investors (especially the creator of the scheme) with funds from new investors. Investors are misled by showing higher than average profits on business activities. However, there usually aren't any business activities. The scheme works as long as new investors continue to buy in so money is being made, but it collapses when people want to cash out. Although he was hardly the first to create this scam, the fraud scheme was named for Italian businessman Charles Ponzi. His earliest investors received 100% returns in 90 days on investments in foreign postal coupons. Then "everybody" wanted to buy in, and only their contributions were used to pay dividends. In 1920 Ponzi took in huge amounts of money throughout the United States, and the fraud received a lot of press coverage when it collapsed.It is true that the Social Security system is "pay-as-you-go". Current workers' payroll tax payments are used to pay people who are already retired. Wage and salaried workers pay 6.2% (7.65% when you include the amount for Medicare) from every paycheck, shown as FICA, and that amount is matched by their employers. The total 15.3% is credited to their accounts in the Social Security system. FICA taxes are collected on the first $176,100 of a person's earnings from their employment.Social Security is more like a combination of a business's retirement plan and an insurance policy, run by the government. The idea was to guarantee that workers would have some kind of income when they retired or if they were disabled. Funds are also used to pay survivors or dependents when a worker dies. Like all insurance policies, funds paid in now are paying today's claims. Some people pay in more than they receive, and others receive more than they have paid in.I doubt that Elon Musk has ever paid into Social Security, because it is not collected on dividends, capital gains, or corporate profits—the kinds of income the wealthy earn.It is true that baby boomers are retiring and people are living longer, so there is currently more being paid out than into the Social Security system. However, this was anticipated. President Carter and Congress in 1977 began gradually increasing FICA rates. Carter established a Commission on Social Security Reform, led by Alan Greenspan. President Reagan signed their recommendations into law in 1983. Those recommendations included an increase to the amount paid in, and a gradual increase in the full retirement age from 65 to 67. People can retire and draw social security any time from age 62 to 70, and if they wait, they receive a larger monthly amount.To ensure there would be enough funds to pay out when the baby boomer generation retired, the Social Security Trust Fund was established. The Trust Fund is invested in government securities and earns interest. At its highest in 2020, the trust fund had $2.908 trillion. Since then, its value has dropped; it was $2.721 trillion at the end of 2024. Remember that this was anticipated, which is why trillions of dollars are set aside for Social Security payments.Social Security will be able to pay out full benefits until 2034. Can it be corrected to pay out beyond that point? Yes, either by reducing benefits or increasing taxes paid in. These tweaks would not be difficult for Congress to do. However, they have been challenged by the Trump Administration to reduce spending, and Social Security is currently the federal government's largest expense. Social Security has also lifted more Americans above the poverty line than any other program.Is Musk correct that "Social Security is the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time"? Granted, there are some similarities. However, Social Security is not fraudulent. It is transparent, has multiple layers of oversight, and doesn't promise unrealistic returns. Ponzi fraud? - The answer is NO.

Getting Ahead: Is social security a ponzi scheme?

OGALLALA, Neb. — A high-speed chase that began in Ogallala and spanned multiple counties has led to a federal prison sentence for a 20-year-old man from El Salvador. Michael Alexander Ayala-Ramirez was sentenced Wednesday to 70 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen.

The case unfolded last July 6, when an Ogallala police officer spotted a stolen pickup truck tied to a vehicle theft at Denver International Airport. When the officer attempted to make contact, Ayala-Ramirez — the driver — fled, sparking a high-speed chase that tore through Keith and Deuel Counties.

The chase ended near a rural farmyard in Deuel County after law enforcement successfully used stop sticks. Ayala-Ramirez and a passenger, Pablo Escobar-Alas, briefly hid under a vehicle before stealing another pickup and leading officers on a second chase. Authorities eventually stopped that vehicle as well and arrested both men.

Inside the bags they carried were four firearms, including one that had been reported stolen. A third suspect, Selvin Escobar-Rivera, fled on foot and was later arrested with another stolen handgun.

All three men had previously been deported and were in the U.S. illegally. The cases against Escobar-Alas and Escobar-Rivera are still pending.

OGALLALA, Neb. — A high-speed chase that began in Ogallala and spanned multiple counties has led to a federal prison sentence for a 20-year-old man from El Salvador. Michael Alexander Ayala-Ramirez was sentenced Wednesday to 70 months in prison for illegally possessing firearms, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Molsen.The case unfolded last July 6, when an Ogallala police officer spotted a stolen pickup truck tied to a vehicle theft at Denver International Airport. When the officer attempted to make contact, Ayala-Ramirez — the driver — fled, sparking a high-speed chase that tore through Keith and Deuel Counties.The chase ended near a rural farmyard in Deuel County after law enforcement successfully used stop sticks. Ayala-Ramirez and a passenger, Pablo Escobar-Alas, briefly hid under a vehicle before stealing another pickup and leading officers on a second chase. Authorities eventually stopped that vehicle as well and arrested both men.Inside the bags they carried were four firearms, including one that had been reported stolen. A third suspect, Selvin Escobar-Rivera, fled on foot and was later arrested with another stolen handgun.All three men had previously been deported and were in the U.S. illegally. The cases against Escobar-Alas and Escobar-Rivera are still pending.

Ogallala Police Chase Leads to Federal Prison Sentence for Armed, Previously Deported Suspect

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College is proud to announce the addition of Driver's Education courses in Sidney this summer.

The Driver's Ed course is for students ages 14-17. Students must have a valid learner's permit. The first course is scheduled for June 2-6 at the WNCC Sidney Campus. A second course is scheduled for July 7-11. The cost for the course is $200.

WNCC has secured a $10,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Labor to provide tuition for 50 students who qualify based on household income.

Recent data from the Nebraska Department of Transportation highlighted trends for Western Nebraska and the need to expand the availability of driver's education.

"The state average for teens that take driver's education is 50%. In the Panhandle the rate is 20%," WNCC Workforce Training Director Doug Mader said. "More concerning is data that shows two of the worst counties for teen driver and passenger involved crash rates are here in western Nebraska. Working with NDOT and Panhandle Public Health District, our goal is to make a positive impact on safe driving outcomes for our region."

For more information about the Driver's Ed course, or to register, contact WNCC at 308.635.6701.

By WNCCSCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. -&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College is proud to announce the addition of Driver's Education courses in Sidney this summer.The Driver's Ed course is for students ages 14-17. Students must have a valid learner's permit. The first course is scheduled for June 2-6 at the WNCC Sidney Campus. A second course is scheduled for July 7-11. The cost for the course is $200.WNCC has secured a $10,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Labor to provide tuition for 50 students who qualify based on household income.Recent data from the Nebraska Department of Transportation highlighted trends for Western Nebraska and the need to expand the availability of driver's education."The state average for teens that take driver's education is 50%. In the Panhandle the rate is 20%," WNCC Workforce Training Director Doug Mader said. "More concerning is data that shows two of the worst counties for teen driver and passenger involved crash rates are here in western Nebraska. Working with NDOT and Panhandle Public Health District, our goal is to make a positive impact on safe driving outcomes for our region."For more information about the Driver's Ed course, or to register, contact WNCC at 308.635.6701.

WNCC launching Driver's Education course in Sidney

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Sugar Rush

Alliance, NE – The City of Alliance invites the public to participate in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this mitigation plan is to lessen the effects of disasters by increasing the disaster resistance. By identifying the hazards that affect our community and prioritizing mitigation strategies, this will reduce potential loss of life and property damage from those hazards. For more information about this plan, visit this Google Drive link:

<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH</a>

This plan is available for public comment from now to Monday, May 19, 2025. At the end of the Public Review Period, the completed plan will be submitted to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval. All comments by the public can be sent to akohel@jeo.com.

For any questions, contact Seth Sorensen, City Manager, at (308) 762-5400.

By City of AllianceAlliance, NE – The City of Alliance invites the public to participate in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this mitigation plan is to lessen the effects of disasters by increasing the disaster resistance. By identifying the hazards that affect our community and prioritizing mitigation strategies, this will reduce potential loss of life and property damage from those hazards. For more information about this plan, visit this Google Drive link:<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nt8_nFUng2j8dG6k-RH-9tEsdNV8psuH</a>This plan is available for public comment from now to Monday, May 19, 2025. At the end of the Public Review Period, the completed plan will be submitted to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for final approval. All comments by the public can be sent to akohel@jeo.com.For any questions, contact Seth Sorensen, City Manager, at (308) 762-5400.

City of Alliance invites the public in reviewing the Region 23 Hazard Mitigation Plan

Wally A. Seiler has announced the recent awarding of grants and scholarships totaling $7,000 by the Darold A. Newblom Foundation to one organization and seven individuals. Seiler serves as the Secretary Treasurer of the Foundation which was created under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of the late Mr. Newblom.

The organization receiving a grants is Post Playhouse, Inc., Crawford, Nebraska awarded $3,500 to benefit college student actors/technicians as a means to supplement their theatre education.

Individuals receiving scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are Alliance residents Lilli Allen, Connor Blumenthal, Jacqueline Gilbert, Emma Machado, Emily McCune, Taylee Thompson and Ayvrie Waldron.

This marks the thirty-fifth year that grants and scholarships have been given by the Newblom Foundation which was established to support activities for the moral, mental, intellectual, and physical development of young men and women in Box Butte and Dawes Counties, Nebraska; to provide scholarships for assisting students in obtaining an education; and to assist in the founding, equipping, and maintaining of associations or institutions engaged in the advancement of learning. During the past thirty-five years, the Newblom Foundation has provided funding of $424, 051.19 in support of its goals.

Grants and scholarships from the Newblom Foundation are awarded once a year. Applications for the 2026 grants and scholarships will be available from Seiler after November 1, 2025, at his home at 1208 Laramie Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska 69301.

PRESS RELEASEWally A. Seiler has announced the recent awarding of grants and scholarships totaling $7,000 by the Darold A. Newblom Foundation to one organization and seven individuals. Seiler serves as the Secretary Treasurer of the Foundation which was created under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of the late Mr. Newblom.The organization receiving a grants is Post Playhouse, Inc., Crawford, Nebraska awarded $3,500 to benefit college student actors/technicians as a means to supplement their theatre education.Individuals receiving scholarships, each in the amount of $500, are Alliance residents Lilli Allen, Connor Blumenthal, Jacqueline Gilbert, Emma Machado, Emily McCune, Taylee Thompson and Ayvrie Waldron.This marks the thirty-fifth year that grants and scholarships have been given by the Newblom Foundation which was established to support activities for the moral, mental, intellectual, and physical development of young men and women in Box Butte and Dawes Counties, Nebraska; to provide scholarships for assisting students in obtaining an education; and to assist in the founding, equipping, and maintaining of associations or institutions engaged in the advancement of learning. During the past thirty-five years, the Newblom Foundation has provided funding of $424, 051.19 in support of its goals.Grants and scholarships from the Newblom Foundation are awarded once a year. Applications for the 2026 grants and scholarships will be available from Seiler after November 1, 2025, at his home at 1208 Laramie Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska 69301.

Seiler announces Darold A. Newblom Foundation scholarships

POST PODCAST: BBGH Chief Nursing Officer Erica Lauder

Congrats to the Hay Springs High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/18N2DP">https://ul.ink/18N2DP</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746635327484.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Hay Springs High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/18N2DP">https://ul.ink/18N2DP</a>

Hay Springs High School graduates of 2025 

Congrats to the Hemingford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp; Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">http</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">s://ul.ink/RYFQ2</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1620677413959.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Hemingford High School Class of 2025!&nbsp; Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">http</a><a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/RYFQ2">s://ul.ink/RYFQ2</a>

Hemingford High School graduates of 2025 

Congrats to the Alliance High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/1MYG38">https://ul.ink/1MYG38</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665497483044.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Congrats to the Alliance High School Class of 2025! Click the link to view senior photos,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ul.ink/1MYG38">https://ul.ink/1MYG38</a>

Alliance High School graduates of 2025 

CHADRON – Chadron State College will honor 245 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 65 candidates for master’s degrees Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Chicoine Center. The ceremony can also be seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@chadronstatecollege/streams" target="_blank">online</a>.

Undergraduate senior Ella O’Brien of Chadron will offer the opening moment of reflection for the combined ceremony and graduate student Kylie Kempf of Carroll, Nebraska, will offer the closing moment of reflection. The speaker for the event will be Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2025/aascu-president-to-deliver-cscs-spring-commencement-address.html" target="_blank">Charles Welch</a>, CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).

Following is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. Hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks.

Valentine: Ian Bish, Erin Mueller, Michael Woodraska

Tyra Carlsten Handberg, Stockholm, Sweden

Master of Science in Organizational Management

Alliance: Kayla Campos***, Kyndal Paterakis

Chadron: Lucas Ambrose**, Daniel Applegarth, Kristian Bartlett, Emily Beye, Brayton Branic, Sawyer Haag*, Tori Haug, Ella O'Brien***

Gordon: Alyssa Charging Thunder**, Mariah Cotant, India Rittgarn***

By CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746630689817.jpeg" alt="Asia Graham of Newcastle, Wyo., right, receives her diploma from Nebraska State College System Chancellor Paul D. Turman, left, during Chadron State College's Winter Commencement in the Chicoine Center on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)" />
 <figcaption>Asia Graham of Newcastle, Wyo., right, receives her diploma from Nebraska State College System Chancellor Paul D. Turman, left, during Chadron State College's Winter Commencement in the Chicoine Center on Dec. 13, 2024. (Photo by Tena L. Cook/Chadron State College)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHADRON – Chadron State College will honor 245 candidates for bachelor’s degrees and 65 candidates for master’s degrees Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Chicoine Center. The ceremony can also be seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@chadronstatecollege/streams" target="_blank">online</a>.Undergraduate senior Ella O’Brien of Chadron will offer the opening moment of reflection for the combined ceremony and graduate student Kylie Kempf of Carroll, Nebraska, will offer the closing moment of reflection. The speaker for the event will be Dr.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.csc.edu/news/2025/aascu-president-to-deliver-cscs-spring-commencement-address.html" target="_blank">Charles Welch</a>, CEO of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).Following is the list of students expected to graduate by degree. Hometowns listed are those on file for the students. Honor graduates are designated by asterisks.***Summa cum laude, 3.9-4.0 GPA**Magna cum laude, 3.75-3.89 GPA*Cum laude, 3.6-3.74Master of Arts in EducationNebraskaAlliance: Sara HicksBrainard: Nyla WitzelChadron: Jennifer CattnachClarkson: Kodiak FrenchEmerson: Melanie NelsenEwing: Kristina HobbsGrant: Jordon SweseyLincoln: Nicole Biles, Ryan WatersLynch: Mikaela HeiserMitchell: Amanda DiedrichScottsbluff: Alex MarkerValentine: Ian Bish, Erin Mueller, Michael WoodraskaWahoo: Jill ScanlonWisner: Alyssa JohnsonOther StatesEllen Piekarski, Eagle River, AlaskaSally Laret, Palmer, AlaskaFouad Oulcaid, Phoenix, Ariz.Laura Otter, Lincoln, Ill.Savannah Mohrhaus, Blanchester, OhioCourtney Freng, Fort Pierre, S.D.Nichole Hahn, Pierre, S.D.Megan O'Leary, Timber Lake, S.D.Jay Mills, Ephrata, Wash.Janel Moore, Casper, Wyo.Miriah Boner, Douglas, Wyo.Master of Business AdministrationNebraskaBennington: Gage KehnChadron: Milagrosa Bindang Esono AloLakeside: Kate BenjaminMerna: Danielle GibsonNorth Platte: Alexis BeckiusSt. Paul: Tia JerabekTrenton: Joseph ShanleOther StatesTaylor Brown, Barrow, AlaskaJessica Rusconi, Flagstaff, Ariz.Johanna Dasteel, Durango, Colo.Parker Gonser, Windsor, Colo.Torry Early, Bensenville, Ill.Reda Badrioui, Agadir, MoroccoJessica Daigle, Piedmont, S.D.Jenny Motacek, Springfield, S.D.Tyra Carlsten Handberg, Stockholm, SwedenEthan Leake, Knoxville, Tenn.Meron Achahmanew, Falls Church, Va.Yusef Nelson, Auburn, Wash.Audrey Lubken, Gillette, Wyo.Master of EducationNebraskaCarroll: Kylie KempfChadron: Whitney TewahadeChappell: Diane BaluskaNorfolk: Derek SiedschlagNorth Platte: Brittney StengerScottsbluff: Lisa PaezWyomingCasper: Janet BlackwelderDouglas: Matthew CarlsonPine Bluffs: Alejandro GarciaMaster of Science in Organizational ManagementSamuel de Seriere, Westminster, Colo.Jahani Wright, Miami Gardens, Fla.Alison Smith, Omaha, Neb.James Davis, West Carrollton, OhioColton Brienza, Buffalo, S.D.Dillon Woods, Rapid City, S.D.Dalton Holst, Gillette, Wyo.Braden Mechem, Torrington, Wyo.Bachelor of Applied ScienceMichael Malena, Tucson, Ariz.Bachelor of ArtsNebraskaAlliance: Kayla Campos***, Kyndal PaterakisAnsley: Jacky TerrazasBayard: Tzu-Yang Lin***Beatrice: Raquel MooreBurwell: Hanna Huffman, Ashlyn Jensen**Ceresco: Logan Parde***Chadron: Lucas Ambrose**, Daniel Applegarth, Kristian Bartlett, Emily Beye, Brayton Branic, Sawyer Haag*, Tori Haug, Ella O'Brien***Cozad: Dana KochCrawford: Spenser McMillanDix: Elizabeth Williams***Elm Creek: Nathan Gillming*Elsie: Aidan Anderson-McClintockFullerton: Grant Pickrel**Gering: Mackenzie Gable**Gordon: Alyssa Charging Thunder**, Mariah Cotant, India Rittgarn***Grand Island: Trystan DaviesHarrison: Thomas Watson**Hay Springs: Joseph Johnson, Samantha MilneHemingford: Alexis McGowanHickman: Aaron DockeryKearney: Patrick Blake**Kimball: Jaclyn Burks***Lincoln: Henry Gengler, Trista Topil*Lisco: Mallory ChristiansenMcCook: Megan Hodgson***Merna: James Gibson**Merriman: Abigayle Donner**Mitchell: Rylan Aguallo***, Makena Chambers, Jake Chasek***Nenzel: Elle Ravenscroft***North Platte: Cole WaltherPaxton: Eben Rosentrater***Pierce: Lauren Hoelscher***Potter: Vivian Pease*Rushville: Hannah HoosScottsbluff: Marisela Aguilar, Sandra Arlt***, Isabella Jaramillo, Sasha Paez, Meagan ShueySidney: Jersie Misegadis**Springview: Adyson Linse**Valentine: McKenna Elliott**, Summer Mayhew, Sadie Vander Wey***Verdigre: Kaci Wickersham***ColoradoArvada: J'lyssa Martinez, Abigail Welch***Aurora: Jacob NasalroadBriggsdale: Kylie Krise**Broomfield: Kenzi Garner***, River JuarezColorado Springs: Samuel Guilez*Delta: Hannah SternsEaton: Arthur TrueFirestone: Paige EdwardsFort Collins: Vincent MosleyFort Collins: Tommy ThomasGolden: Jackson WhiteGreeley: Devyn Thornton**La Junta: Damienne GronemeyerLimon: Toni LopezLongmont: Ashayla PowersMerino: Trenton ElliottMilliken: Morgan RoperParker: Liberty Line*Platteville: Jordan RuddSterling: Gwendolyn Buss*Thornton: Tyler CarpenterSouth DakotaAlcester: Jessica Hughes***Box Elder: Grady OlsonCamp Crook: Samantha Comes**Custer: Quintin Gilg*Philip: Ashley NevilleRapid City: Izzy Ashley, Megan Baloun**, Reese Maxon**, Paige McSherry, Kyla Mitsos, Katelyn Rosdahl, Rebecca RudgeRed Shirt: Cathlyn Knutson**WyomingArvada: Krista MalliCasper: D'Anthony Smith*Cheyenne: Brittny MerrittDouglas: Rylan Wehr***Dubois: Reidun Hammer, Lauren SylvestreEncampment: Dalton Peterson***Gillette: Taylor Burch, Jaden Earle**, Sydney Hunter*Green River: Megan Counts**Guernsey: Katrina Christensen***Lovell: Ezra Harlow*Powell: Matthew SeckmanWheatland: Jolie Evans***Yoder: Shayna ThomasOther States and CountriesMelaina Williams***, Palmer, AlaskaKarstin Hollen**, Mesa, Ariz.Robert Herrera, Lancaster, Calif.Deonte Jackson, Southeast San Diego, Calif.Shantae Morgan, Fairfield, Conn.Kyle McIntosh, Spring Hill, Fla.Aarikah Johnson***, Rexburg, IdahoClaudia Dolliger, Bourbonnais, Ill.John Figus***, Oak Lawn, Ill.Jaymi Stacy*, Hutchinson, Kan.Kolby Smith, Hammond, La.Ashley Miller, Lynn, Mass.Briton Hyer***, Kansas City, Mo.Tessa Coyle, Kalispell, Mont.Rachel Bell***, Miles City, Mont.Conner Schwend, St.Xavier, Mont.Kamila Montenegro, Las Vegas, Nev.John Stevenson Jenkins Jr., Las Vegas, Nev.Julio Phipps, New York City, N.Y.Akene Agee, Rochester, N.Y.Halee Garner***, El Reno, Okla.Britley Lopez*, Borger, TexasTrey Ballard, Dallas, TexasAlondra Hernandez, Provo, UtahSeth Orsborn, Mountlake Terrace, Wash.Ruhama Molla***, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaJoyce Tsuguma***, Kashiba, JapanRio Watanabe***, Tokyo, JapanBachelor of ScienceNebraskaArlington: Hunter GilmoreBridgeport: Chance Cooper***Chadron: Cobie Bila***, Katelyn Christian***, David JohnsonClarks: Aubree Quast***Cook: Jackson LeuenbergerHay Springs: Bailey Scherbarth, Jocelyn Schiaffo*Hemingford: Kenneth Wyland**Kearney: Natalie Hamaker***, Colton Holoubeck***Morrill: Jaiden Steiner*Omaha: Jacoby Long**O'Neill: Christopher Jennings**Saint Paul: Alexis Kramer***Scottsbluff: Thomas WalshSidney: Morgan JaggersSpringview: Hunter Wiebelhaus**Syracuse: Kaylea Geiser***Taylor: Dean SchroderValentine: Cody Miller***West Point: Aspen LundColoradoFowler: Valentino Leone*Highlands Ranch: Xavier HarrellLoveland: Kendall PettyPeetz: Addyson GipfertPueblo West: Paige BoitzRangely: Crimsen BlankenshipSouth DakotaBox Elder: Ashley Jansen, David SeversonHill City: Kadyn ComerMartin: Colton Rosane**Midland: Autumn Skow*Rapid City: Maddison Frohling, Elijah HuntingtonWounded Knee: Echo EcoffeyOther StatesKyra Tanabe*, Honolulu, HawaiiAiyana Fujiyama, Wahiawa, HawaiiSharmila Uppalapati***, Joliet, Ill.Meggan Mitchell**, Vandalia, Ill.Morgan Halquist***, Henderson, Minn.Keegan Gehlhausen, Pinedale, Wyo.Morgan Ekwall, Yoder, Wyo.Bachelor of Science in EducationNebraskaAinsworth: Jorden Hollenbeck*Alliance: Jessica Johnson, Katelyn Varner**Aurora: Samantha Wrick*Bertrand: Karley PattersonBrady: Kyler Horn***Bridgeport: Rachael Blue***, Olivia Freeze*, Sarah Post***Crawford: Andrew WendlandGering: Hallie Cochran, Chelsea Smith***, Kyla WalkerGothenburg: Johanna Foster**Hansen: Danae Rader***Harrison: Kalen Gydesen**Hemingford: Rashell NeefeHyannis: Courtney LauerImperial: Sergio AlarconKimball: Sydney Biesecker**Mitchell: Mykinzee Musfelt, Jacob Trauernicht**, Kortni ZeilerOgallala: Aimee LunkwitzOmaha: Faith Hanson***O'Neill: Taryn StrongOshkosh: Dahnna Miller***Scottsbluff: Kendra Cardwell, Alexandra Harris***, Tyler Smith, Ethan Strey**Sidney: Marissa Borchard**, Kaylin NeumannWest Point: Audrey DaberkowColoradoCastle Rock: Kali RitterbushDinosaur: Hannah Hinojosa*Fleming: Kendyl Kirkwood***Littleton: Chase Anderson, Alexis Peepgrass***Wiley: Taira WeberSouth DakotaFaith: Kodi PharrisKadoka: Sammi StoutRapid City: Katherine Hoeke***, Emma Johnson***Spearfish: Josephine FritzWyomingDouglas: Treyton Pearson*Gillette: Breckyn Hamlin***, Scott O'Dell*Glenrock: Seterra Hoskinson*Lingle: Denise Grant**Newcastle: Kayley Munoz*Sheridan: Riley Billings***Torrington: Gage Correa, Brant Fullmer, Gregory Logsdon, Kyla Odermann**Other StatesHeather Milstead*, Palmer, AlaskaKali Lucier*, Burlington, N.D.Jennifer McNeel, Midwest City, Okla.Myles Jensen***, Marshfield, Wis.

More than 300 to be honored at CSC’s spring commencement

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.&nbsp; -﻿&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will host a series of Registration Day events throughout the and summer to allow first-time college students to register for classes in the Fall 2025 semester.

Registration Days is open to all first-time college students and graduating high school seniors who plan to attend WNCC in the Fall 2025 semester. Students can sign up for classes, tour campus, discover student resources, and more. Families are welcome to join.

The events are also open to individuals who want to learn more about WNCC's academic programs, student services, and more. Admissions representatives will be on site to help with the application process and answer any questions about the admissions process.

Students can sign up for a time slot for their preferred date at&nbsp;<a href="https://lptbe4fab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EKgFZ9v5eH0ujWb0rOCuU59iPGUHzE6YLq0CN0WZ5CpxdxmL2qiFAgeU-KvGWjGcsGURmaepCRgDeYjKMJ-DlPZwdtmO8K58tUFOMkVWxqCV7z3FP82jlFIEuzt8pBEFuz8CZ_cMnhlAQp0qUYLMBdMArCkQIYbJWvYNvUmXuig=&amp;c=DAY0NVYVnaWyn6CX_bwOJ6I0OWJkay5vc5TeYvcfp6d0rfHt17hD-w==&amp;ch=TiEBenSZ1DiZQ3wqowtIQm_chxXlos2Bi41oH6m0UMxStF910NXCvA==" target="_blank">go.wncc.edu/registrationdays.</a>

For more information contact the Student Success Center at 308.635.6000.

About Western Nebraska Community College

For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb.&nbsp; -﻿&nbsp;Western Nebraska Community College will host a series of Registration Day events throughout the and summer to allow first-time college students to register for classes in the Fall 2025 semester.﻿The upcoming dates are:<ul>
 <li>Friday, May 16: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</li><li>Friday, June 20: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</li><li>Saturday, July 19: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</li><li>Friday, July 25: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.</li><li>Monday, August 4: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.</li>
 </ul>Registration Days is open to all first-time college students and graduating high school seniors who plan to attend WNCC in the Fall 2025 semester. Students can sign up for classes, tour campus, discover student resources, and more. Families are welcome to join.The events are also open to individuals who want to learn more about WNCC's academic programs, student services, and more. Admissions representatives will be on site to help with the application process and answer any questions about the admissions process.Students can sign up for a time slot for their preferred date at&nbsp;<a href="https://lptbe4fab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001EKgFZ9v5eH0ujWb0rOCuU59iPGUHzE6YLq0CN0WZ5CpxdxmL2qiFAgeU-KvGWjGcsGURmaepCRgDeYjKMJ-DlPZwdtmO8K58tUFOMkVWxqCV7z3FP82jlFIEuzt8pBEFuz8CZ_cMnhlAQp0qUYLMBdMArCkQIYbJWvYNvUmXuig=&amp;c=DAY0NVYVnaWyn6CX_bwOJ6I0OWJkay5vc5TeYvcfp6d0rfHt17hD-w==&amp;ch=TiEBenSZ1DiZQ3wqowtIQm_chxXlos2Bi41oH6m0UMxStF910NXCvA==" target="_blank">go.wncc.edu/registrationdays.</a>For more information contact the Student Success Center at 308.635.6000.About Western Nebraska Community CollegeFor more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.

WNCC to host series of Registration Days

By&nbsp;Box Butte County Clerk, Martie Burke

On May 2, 2025, it was brought to my attention that Hemingford School Bond Election voters residing in Dawes County were issued ballots that failed to include the initials of an election official at the bottom of the ballot. This issue is limited only to Dawes County residents.

The Dawes County Clerk’s office will be mailing corrected ballots today to each affected voter. Return postage for these ballots has been paid.

Upon receipt of the reissued ballot, I encourage you to verify that initials of an election official are present on the bottom of your ballot prior to submitting your vote. Ballots that do not contain the initials of an election official will not be counted.

Your ballot must be returned&nbsp;no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 13, 2025. Ballots can be returned by mail, drop box, or in person to the Dawes County Clerk, 451 Main St, Chadron, NE 69337. If you have any questions, please call the Dawes County Clerk at 308-432-0100.&nbsp; &nbsp;

By&nbsp;Box Butte County Clerk, Martie BurkeOn May 2, 2025, it was brought to my attention that Hemingford School Bond Election voters residing in Dawes County were issued ballots that failed to include the initials of an election official at the bottom of the ballot. This issue is limited only to Dawes County residents.The Dawes County Clerk’s office will be mailing corrected ballots today to each affected voter. Return postage for these ballots has been paid.Upon receipt of the reissued ballot, I encourage you to verify that initials of an election official are present on the bottom of your ballot prior to submitting your vote. Ballots that do not contain the initials of an election official will not be counted.Your ballot must be returned&nbsp;no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 13, 2025. Ballots can be returned by mail, drop box, or in person to the Dawes County Clerk, 451 Main St, Chadron, NE 69337. If you have any questions, please call the Dawes County Clerk at 308-432-0100.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hemingford School Bond Special Election – Dawes County Residents

On May 3, 2025 at 8:36 pm, Officers received a report of a disturbance involving a firearm in the 600 Block of East 11th Street. 

After investigation at the scene, Adrian Cross, 18, of Scottsbluff, was arrested for Terrorist Threats and Minor in Possession Alcohol. 

Victim statements advised Cross pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waist band and pointed at multiple people. Cross was described to make statements of shooting people at the scene. A physical altercation ensued where the handgun was taken from Cross. A CO2 handgun was collected from the scene and was identified to be the weapon Cross used in the incident. 

Minor injuries were reported by Cross and one victim for scrapes and scratches from the physical altercation. 

Scottsbluff Officers were assisted by Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Office, Scottsbluff Fire, and Regional West Ambulance.

By Scottsbluff Police DepartmentOn May 3, 2025 at 8:36 pm, Officers received a report of a disturbance involving a firearm in the 600 Block of East 11th Street. After investigation at the scene, Adrian Cross, 18, of Scottsbluff, was arrested for Terrorist Threats and Minor in Possession Alcohol. Victim statements advised Cross pulled what appeared to be a handgun from his waist band and pointed at multiple people. Cross was described to make statements of shooting people at the scene. A physical altercation ensued where the handgun was taken from Cross. A CO2 handgun was collected from the scene and was identified to be the weapon Cross used in the incident. Minor injuries were reported by Cross and one victim for scrapes and scratches from the physical altercation. Scottsbluff Officers were assisted by Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Office, Scottsbluff Fire, and Regional West Ambulance.

Scottsbluff police arrest man following disturbance 

POST PODCAST: Coffee Talk: Monday Blahs

Scottsbluff, Nebraska&nbsp; — Papa Moon Ciders was awarded a Gold &amp; Silver in the 2025 World Beer Cup, the most prestigious beer competition in the world.

The award ceremony took place on May 1, 2025, at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis where awards were given in 112 style categories including five cider categories.

Papa Moon was awarded a gold award in the botanical or spiced cider beer style category for its Honey Lavender, a bright refreshing cider with local wild flower honey and whole lavender flowers, a staple cider for Papa Moon. Papa Moon is a 200-barrel brewpub/cidery located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska that specializes in unique but approachable naturally fermented ciders using local adjuncts and flavor combinations inspired by nature with culinary influences.

“We are absolutely ecstatic to receive not one but TWO medals. We could not have done it without&nbsp;our incredible staff, our amazing customers and all the help along the way. This is a big deal for us, the community and the State of Nebraska. It speaks volumes for our local brewing community and the great things all the local brewers have started and continue to do here. There are great things happening in the state of Nebraska and we are excited to show off some of that and bring such a prestigious award home.” said Ryan Massey, Head Brewer at Papa Moon Ciders.

The World Beer Cup, hailed as the “Olympics of Beer,” crowns the globe's brewing elite. This year, an international group of 265 discerning beer judges, hailing from 37 countries, undertook the monumental task of evaluating 8,375 entries from 1761 breweries across 49 countries. The World Beer Cup competition, established by the Brewers Association in 1996, remains the pinnacle of brewing achievement and celebrates the art and science of brewing. For additional information, visit the World Beer Cup website.

PRESS RELEASE<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746462360237.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Scottsbluff, Nebraska&nbsp; — Papa Moon Ciders was awarded a Gold &amp; Silver in the 2025 World Beer Cup, the most prestigious beer competition in the world.The award ceremony took place on May 1, 2025, at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis where awards were given in 112 style categories including five cider categories.Papa Moon was awarded a gold award in the botanical or spiced cider beer style category for its Honey Lavender, a bright refreshing cider with local wild flower honey and whole lavender flowers, a staple cider for Papa Moon. Papa Moon is a 200-barrel brewpub/cidery located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska that specializes in unique but approachable naturally fermented ciders using local adjuncts and flavor combinations inspired by nature with culinary influences.“We are absolutely ecstatic to receive not one but TWO medals. We could not have done it without&nbsp;our incredible staff, our amazing customers and all the help along the way. This is a big deal for us, the community and the State of Nebraska. It speaks volumes for our local brewing community and the great things all the local brewers have started and continue to do here. There are great things happening in the state of Nebraska and we are excited to show off some of that and bring such a prestigious award home.” said Ryan Massey, Head Brewer at Papa Moon Ciders.The World Beer Cup, hailed as the “Olympics of Beer,” crowns the globe's brewing elite. This year, an international group of 265 discerning beer judges, hailing from 37 countries, undertook the monumental task of evaluating 8,375 entries from 1761 breweries across 49 countries. The World Beer Cup competition, established by the Brewers Association in 1996, remains the pinnacle of brewing achievement and celebrates the art and science of brewing. For additional information, visit the World Beer Cup website.

Papa Moon Ciders wins awards at 2025 World Beer Cup

Post Podcast: Kman's Concert Calendar, weekend of May 2

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing tonight and tomorrow's musical performance of "The Little Shop of Horrors" until next week. The last two performances will be:

By Alliance Public SchoolsDue to unforeseen circumstances, we are postponing tonight and tomorrow's musical performance of "The Little Shop of Horrors" until next week. The last two performances will be:Friday, May 9th, at 7:00 PMSaturday, May 10th, at 1:00 PM

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